Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has highlighted the increasingly strong solidarity and integration between Southeast Asian countries as one of ASEAN's greatest achievements in the past decade.
Addressing the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Vientiane, Laos on October 8, Marsudi said that ASEAN has been able to navigate the increasingly sharp competition of great powers. AOIP (ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific) has also supported inclusive collaboration in the region.
The minister also highlighted the achievements of the ASEAN Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which encouraged regional economic integration and united opposing groups.
During the meeting, held ahead of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits slated for October 9, Marsudi stated that her fellow foreign ministers had succeeded in giving top priority to ASEAN in their countries' respective foreign policies and playing an important role in ASEAN's transformation.
ASEAN's future success will be determined by how the grouping can respond to existing challenges, such as maintaining regional stability and peace, demonstrating solidarity, and continuing to strengthen institutional capacity, she noted.
Marsudi also accentuated the importance of ASEAN continuing to commit to international law and ASEAN values and principles, including respect for human rights.
Indonesia has initiated a meeting between stakeholders in Myanmar and a meeting of the special envoys related to the Myanmar issue in Jakarta recently.
In order to resolve the problem in Myanmar, Marsudi has invited ASEAN to continue encouraging inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders in Myanmar and emphasised the importance of international support for implementing the Five-Point Consensus (5PC).
Another important point regarding the Myanmar issue that Marsudi also mentioned was the importance of ASEAN acting to address the issues of human and drug trafficking that worsen conditions in Myanmar as well as of humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar./.

See more

Malaysia investigates gas pipeline explosion
The incident destroyed 78 houses and 10 shop lots, while also damaging 237 other houses and numerous vehicles. An estimated 364 people were affected, including 63 injured.

Thailand works to restore global trust after Myanmar quake
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra underscored Thailand's commitment to restoring its image and ensuring public confidence, noting that a thorough investigation into the project's approval, design and construction materials is underway.

Thailand speeds up investigation into Bangkok building collapse
The SAO building, valued at 2.1 billion THB (61.4 million USD), had been under construction for approximately five years and was nearing completion. It was the only building in Bangkok to collapse as a result of the powerful earthquake in Myanmar.

Myanmar earthquake: UN agencies report progress in humanitarian assistance
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. in Myanmar Marcoluigi Corsi, reported that aid initiatives are proceeding smoothly without significant obstacles.

Laos aims for sustainable infrastructure development
Laos' Enabling Environment Roadmap for Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM EE) outlines strategies for the effective management of public infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, with a focus on resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Malaysia stays vigilant over earthquake risk
Malaysia is not situated along the collision zone of major tectonic plates, but several minor tremors have been recorded in certain areas over recent decades.

Myanmar earthquake: Intensified int’l efforts for disaster relief
Japan will dispatch a team of medical personnel to Myanmar to provide emergency assistance in response to the devastating earthquake that struck the Southeast Asian nation last week.

Strong earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia
A 6.0-magnitude earthquake occurred at 5:15 pm, with its epicenter located 93 km northeast of Indonesia's Maluku Barat Daya district and a hypocenter at a depth of 157 km beneath the seabed. No tsunami warning has been issued.

Myanmar earthquake: Devastation’s full extend is not clear
Myanmar's state media quoted military government leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as saying the earthquake death toll had reached 2,065, with more than 3,900 injured and some 270 missing. Aid agencies forecast these numbers will rise significantly due to information blackouts in remote areas.

Laos sends 33 officers to Myanmar for earthquake relief efforts
Laos' participation in the search and rescure operations not only helps Myanmar overcome post-earthquake difficulties but also demonstrates its solidarity, compassion, and sense of international responsibility.

Thailand's payments system, businesses operating normally after quake
Financial institutions continue to provide normal services for both retail and corporate clients, Deputy Governor of the the Bank of Thailand Roong Mallikamas said on March 31, describing the impact as a “short-term shock".

Indonesia operates auto gates at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
According to Johanes Fanny Satria Cahya Aprianto, head of the airport's immigration office, immigration services are fully prepared for the surge in passengers. Currently the office has deployed 531 personnel to ensure smooth and efficient immigration processing at the airport.

Death toll in Thailand rises to 19 after Myanmar quake
The deadly earthquake in Myanmar caused strong tremors in Bangkok, about 1,000 km south of the epicentre, while several other Thai provinces were also affected.

Thailand targets reduction in US trade surplus to 20 billion USD
Thailand is aiming to reduce its trade surplus with the US to 20 billion USD by importing more US products, according to head of the country’s industry ministry's industrial economics office Passakorn Chairat.

Myanmar declares week-long national mourning over deadly earthquake
In recognition of and sympathy for the damage and loss of lives caused by the earthquake, the period from March 31 to April 6 has been declared as national mourning days. During this time, the national flag will be flown at half-mast.

Thai banks roll out measurers to help earthquake victims
Financial measures are for both individuals and businesses affected by the earthquake to provide them with immediate relief and help them maintain their livelihoods and business operations.

Int’l aid, rescue teams rush to Myanmar after earthquake
Rescue teams are racing against time, as over 300 people remain missing as of March 30.

Thailand to hold Songkran festival as planned
Following an assessment of the situation after the recent earthquake, the TAT reported that conditions in Bangkok and other regions had returned to normal.

Thailand investigates Bangkok building collapse after Myanmar earthquake
The State Audit Office (SAO) building is the only building in Bangkok that collapsed due to the tremor following the earthquake.

ASEAN accompanies Myanmar, Thailand to address quake’s aftermath
They reaffirmed their strong support and solidarity with the two countries, stressing that the ASEAN family stands resolutely with Myanmar and Thailand in moving forward to address the impacts of the earthquake.